MINT JULEP WITH 1889 AROMATIC BITTERS
- 2 oz. bourbon
- 1/2 oz. mint-infused simple syrup (recipe below)
- 3-4 dashes 1889 Aromatic Bitters
- 6 mint leaves
Add mint leaves and bitters to mixing glass. Very lightly muddle. Add bourbon, mint syrup and a few pieces of ice. Shake. Fill a rocks glass (or julep cup) with crushed ice. Strain the cocktail over the crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig. Cheers.
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Long associated with southern states and hotter climates, the mint julep is the seasonal cocktail that indicates the final arrival of spring. Just weeks before the Kentucky Derby bubbles up in the news, mint sprigs burst through barren ground in garden plots and long-forgotten planter pots. It's a study in patience to watch the tendrils spread, before greedily harvesting a bunch of sprigs for the first batch of mint-infused simple syrup.
While many traditional mint juleps simply call for sugar, bourbon, and mint, we've found that aromatic bitters make a mighty fine addition. The infused simple syrup incorporates and intensifies the refreshing mint flavor without worrying about the little lumps and granules of sugar.
MINT-INFUSED SIMPLE SYRUP
- 1 c water
- 1 c sugar
- 6 sprigs of mint
Add water, sugar, and mint sprigs to a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium-low, gently stirring with a wooden spoon, until the sugar is dissolved. Maintain a very low simmer to avoid burning the sugar (do not let the mixture boil). Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow to cool. Strain through a sieve into a storage jar and discard the mint. Store remaining simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Wanna use homemade bitters like the ones we used in these recipes? Purchase one of our homemade bitters kits now!
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